My favorite restaurant isn't just about the food—it’s about the people and the memories etched into its walls. For me, that place is George’s Grill on East Kings Hwy in Shreveport, LA.
I vividly remember the first time I walked into this charming café. It was like stepping into a different era. An older man, clad in a white apron, stood behind a half wall, tending to the grill with practiced ease. His staff moved in perfect harmony, each one knowing their role as if by instinct, honed over years of working together. Behind the register stood a woman with striking gray hair, elegantly dressed in a long skirt and adorned with a stunning pin on her blouse. She greeted each customer with a warmth that made you feel instantly at home.
There was no formal waiting list—just a line that snaked out the door, and the unspoken rule that you sat wherever a table opened up. To the right was a counter, and to the left, cozy tables where you could sit and relax. Walking into George’s was like taking a nostalgic step back in time.
The simple pleasure of having cream for your coffee served in a stainless steel container and coffee in a cup and saucer made every visit special. George’s Grill, founded in 1960 by the husband-and-wife duo George and Charline Casten, embodied their passion for good food and genuine hospitality. They served breakfast, lunch, and dinner with such dedication that you couldn’t help but return for more.
It was a Wednesday night that I first fell in love with George’s Grill. After church, my children and I went there, taking in the comforting atmosphere. I ordered the oyster platter with homemade French fries, while my kids chose burgers and chicken strips—each dish as fresh and homemade as if prepared in our own kitchen. The glass case pie counter showcased all the wonderful homemade pies. Strawberry being our favorite!
We became regulars, and soon, Charline noticed me. She’d come over, chat as if we were old friends, and then George would join us, sharing stories and offering advice about owning a restaurant. His encouragement was more than words; it was a belief in my potential. At 23, a single mother with two young children, juggling college and two jobs, George’s Grill was my sanctuary.
I often visited early in the morning for pie and coffee, and on Wednesdays after church, Charline bought me a prayer shawl and would sit at my table and pray over me. Inviting me to revivals at her church would just open my eyes more for the Lord. Their kindness and genuine care were overwhelming. We didn’t know then why our paths had crossed, but years later, when I opened my first restaurant, George was the first person I wanted to tell. As I shared my plans with him, he simply went to get us each a piece of strawberry pie. We sat together, eating pie and drinking coffee in silence, and that was his way of showing pride and support.
After George passed away in 2014, I never returned to George’s Grill, except for a brief attempt to buy the building, which sadly didn’t work out. Watching the building come down was a heartbreaking moment. I remember sitting in my car across the street as they removed the ruble and my mind flooded with such fond memories. It wasn’t just a place; it was a symbol of the bonds formed and the lessons learned. Owning a business is about more than just doing what you love—it’s about the relationships you build and the connections that shape your future.